Announcing the Culminating Event of Our Project in England: A Special Talk and Unveiling

With profound gratitude and a certain satisfied exhaustion Mary and I would like to share an invitation with you to attend our “big event” here in Uxbridge.

Someone asked if we managed to get everything accomplished we had planned. Like so much in life, there’s what you planned–and what unfolded instead. This long visit was the perfect opportunity to pursue a number of threads of my original project regarding Sir Richard Lane. But I decided to set a number of them entirely aside, with no regrets. There was a singular opportunity here in Uxbridge that seemed much more important.

I wanted to do what I came to Uxbridge for in the first place–to visit the place Richard Lane arrived at nearly 400 years ago as a negotiator for the king. Of course, that got complicated when it eventually became clear that every part of the lovely structure he would have set foot in no longer exists. But I realized that there was a way I could still do it–and that I could even take the world with me. But it would be a tremendous amount of unplanned work requiring some sacrifices. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, the comprehension gained by moving through a scene as though you were walking there can’t be matched. Perhaps that comprehension (made whole by the beautiful image Misha is finalizing) will enable a lasting and more energized appreciation for this lovely but lost part of Uxbridge’s historical heritage.

And now its done, and we feel like celebrating! Interestingly, we are going to have some very gracious help with that. The Mayor of Hillingdon/Uxbridge, along with the current MP for Uxbridge, The High Sheriff of Greater London, the Recorder of Northampton and the High Sheriff of Northampton are all attending the event and helping with the unveiling. There is a “why” to these particular special guests, by the way. Perhaps you will recall that two of the negotiators in 1645 were close friends and former colleagues of Middle Temple who found themselves on opposite sides of that negotiating table exactly 380 years ago…MP Bulstrode Whitelocke (negotiating for the parliament), and former Recorder of Northampton Sir Richard Lane (negotiating for the king). It gives me chills…

The main event will feature the wonderful young artist, Misha Farris, and her new artwork (which is being gifted to the people of Uxbridge at the event). And in case you’re wondering, I have only seen line drawings and early color and lighting concepts of her work. I will be seeing it for the first time along with everyone else!

Finally, Mary and I are having a commemorative gift made for all of the attendees–our small, personal thank you for the warm welcome we have received in this lovely town.

So, if you can make it, send an email to the address at the bottom of the flyer. Mention that you are a subscriber to my research blog. I will very likely be able to get you a seat. At some point, check out the historic carved paneling in the other upstairs room. And although I’m sure we will be busy, please don’t leave without saying hi!